God of Wonders

I wrote this post "God of Wonders" today on my other site, Anna's Place. Anna's Place is my other blog for those who have experienced grief and pain that comes with the death of a loved one. I felt it was important to post it here at Adventurous Living. I pray these words will speak to your heart today.


It's interesting to see how certain events bring back memories.

I'm in the middle of Vacation Bible School right now at our church. You see, my first husband, Gerry (short for Gerald), died the week before Vacation Bible School in 1992. I was the VBS director then. I am the director now.

Many wondered and some outsiders even scoffed at how I showed up and led the songs that summer of '92. All I can say is that I couldn't stay home. There was work to do. And if I had to sit down and cry after the kids left the sanctuary for their class - I did.

But I also knew this was yet another opportunity to share the "God of Wonders" with children and their families. People need to know that God loves them. People need to know that Jesus will save them from their sin and give them a home in Heaven for all eternity.

So as I sing and lead children this week at VBS, I stand back in awe at the God of Wonders who has saved me and brought me this far. I leave you today with the words to this song. May you know the God of Wonders who loves you and gave His life for you so you might live! Allow your heart to sing...

God of Wonders

Lord of all creation,Of water, earth, and sky.

The heavens are your tabernacle. Glory to the Lord on high.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy,You are holy, holy.

The universe declares your majesty. You are holy, holy.

Lord of heaven and earth; Lord of heaven and earth.

July Update

Hi all my blogging friends :) Just checking in with you all! The above title is not very creative, but hey, it's real! It's about all my fried brain can come up with right now!

I enjoyed spending alittle time this afternoon surfing your sites. How relaxing to visit with you and encouraging to see what God is doing all around the world. Our God is truly amazing and all-powerful!

We had an "eventful" 4th of July holiday here in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A little trip to the ER (Can you believe it happened even before the picnic started? Don't worry, all turned out well!), a family picnic, a wiffle-ball game, fireworks in the rain... But probably the most memorable part of our family's 4th of July celebration was missing my oldest son who has been in Germany for the last ten days playing his trombone with All American Youth in Concert. I suppose since he's leaving for college in two short years, I better get used to that!


Also, I ask for your prayers for the church I attend and their upcoming Vacation Bible School program on July 14-18th. I am busy preparing last minute details as the VBS Director. Please pray for the salvation of souls. That's what this VBS is all about - kids and their families learning about Jesus Christ and discovering that they can be forgiven of their sin, have Jesus help them through this life, and have a home in heaven that lasts forever!


I'm especially excited with the theme for this year's program since I used to work in a medical laboratory before having children. If you're interested in knowing more about why the blood of Jesus is soooooo important, check out one of my posts from last year on this interesting topic. (Click here) In addition, my blogging friend Connie, at Connie's Thoughts from the Heart also had a very thought provoking post today about the importance of Christ's blood.

There's power in the blood of the Lamb!

Live the adventure,
Susan

A Noteworthy Quote

I found this "noteworthy quote" in my Women of Faith devotional Bible today:

"I want to be able to say yes to everything God has for me, not because I've become courageous, but because He's God. And He's great; and He's good; and He's true; and He's faithful! Shelia Walsh

Look for more noteworthy quotes from time to time, right here on Adventurous Living!

Live the adventure,
Susan

Ready to Climb?

"Mom, do you like to climb fences?"

It was one of those interesting questions my six-year-old asked while I was driving him home from Kindergarten the other day. I glanced in my rearview mirror at my little blond-haired cutie trying to figure out where that question came from.

"Uh, I don't know," was the best I could come up with. "Why do you ask, buddy?"

My son shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know."

I gave it another moment of thought and suddenly an idea came to me. Wasn't it just yesterday that my son was at his brother's baseball game and climbing up and over a six-foot fence? I decided that my little guy was trying to see if I liked to do what he liked to do.

"You know what? When Mommy was a girl about your age, I liked to climb fences."

Peeking into the rearview mirror, I saw a wide grin form across my son's face.

As I thought about the idea of climbing, a Bible verse came to mind. Even though I'm not climbing fences these days, (I do like to climb rocks when we backpack however), the Bible says I can "leap over a wall."

Listen to Psalm 18:29 & 30: "For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proved; he is a shield to all those who trust in him." [KJV]

God will help us through and sometimes over life's obstacles. We can trust Him. His Word is proved over and over again. Are you ready to climb?

Live the adventure,
Susan

A Series of Extraordianary Events

Remember the miracle of Jesus feeding over five thousand people with two fish and five loaves of bread? (Matthew 14:15-21) It's a familiar account for those of us who grew up going to Sunday School. But what happened right before this miracle? And what happened immediately afterward?

The Bible says that Jesus had just heard that his cousin John the Baptist, (cousin from a human standpoint), had been killed--beheaded by Herod the tetrarch. On top of this, Jesus had just been rejected after teaching in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth.

So, what did Jesus do? Did He rush off to bring justice for his cousin's murder? Did He get mad about the people's unbelief? No. Jesus departed by boat to a deserted place by Himself. When people from the cities heard, they followed Jesus.

You'd think Jesus might be upset with this invasion of privacy. But He wasn't. In fact the Bible says that when Jesus saw the great multitude of people, "He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14) Jesus knew what had to be done and out of love, He did it.

Now it started getting late and Jesus' disciples tell Jesus to send everyone away so people may go to the villages and buy themselves food. But Jesus had a different plan--thus the miracle of Jesus feeding over five thousand people with a couple of fish and five loaves of bread. (With twelve baskets full of leftovers too!)

A busy day to be sure! But there's more--much more!

Jesus told His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea while He sent the multitudes away. Then Jesus went up into the mountain by Himself to pray. In the middle of the night, a storm hits. Jesus' disciples, many whom are experienced fishermen, are now in a middle of the sea with the winds howling and the waves tossing their boat like a toy.

Check out what happens next. Jesus walks to His disciples across the wind ravaged sea on top of the water! The disciples are all freaked out, thinking they are seeing a ghost. But Jesus says, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

Wow--did you catch that? Jesus tells His friends to be happy and to not be afraid--in the middle of the storm! He is with them and it's going to be okay.

Then we see another familiar account taking place. Peter hops out of the boat in the middle of the storm and walks on the water towards Jesus...

A series of extraordinary events. Many of these events we've heard about as isolated stories, but when we take into account that these three events happened in a row? Well, it helps me to put life's events into perspective.

Often I wonder, "What's going to happen next?" or "How am I going to make it through?" But Jesus, my teacher, my healer, my provider, my Savior knows what to do. The Son of God has my life in His hands and He has your life in His hands too--if you know Him.

Be happy! Don't be afraid! Jesus is with you.

Live the adventure,

Susan

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." I Corinthians 16:13,14

The Importance of the Word of God

So what is it about the Bible that's so important? Jesus knew...

And He still does. When God the Son came down to earth as a human being, He experienced first hand the importance of knowing the Holy Scriptures. In fact, I was amazed once again when reading in the Gospel of Matthew just how important God’s Word really is.

In Matthew chapter four, we learn that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. It was here after forty days and forty nights of fasting that Satan tempts Jesus. Right away, the devil goes into attack mode saying, "IF You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." (ch. 4 v.3) Now the Bible says that physically, Jesus was hungry. Remember, He is fully God, but also fully man.



Instead of listening to Satan and giving in to His hunger, Jesus answers in a very interesting way. He begins His response with three very important words. These words are critical for us to understand what to do when we are tempted to do something wrong.

It is written... Yes, Jesus, answers Satan with the Word of God, the written Word, and He quotes Scripture saying, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

Jesus successfully passes the first test: The lust of the flesh.

Test number two isn't far behind. The Bible says the devil took Jesus up into the holy city and set Him on the top of the temple and says, "IF You are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' (ch. 4 v.6)

So that old deceiver tries to get tricky. He tries to twist Scripture for His own purpose. But Jesus knows God's Word perfectly. Remember, He is the Author.

Listen to what Jesus says, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD Your God.'" Jesus was not fooled and He did not give into the lust of the eyes. Jesus wasn't about to show His power in a way that was prideful. That's not what God is about.

In a last ditch effort, the devil tries one more time by taking Jesus on a very high mountain and shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Then Satan says, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." (ch. 4 v. 9)

Nothing doing. Jesus lays it on the line. "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only shall you serve." (ch. 4 v. 10)

And the Bible says Satan left Jesus and angels came and ministered to Him.

Wow, Jesus passes the final test—the pride of life— with flying colors.

You see, that old deceiver hasn't changed much from the time He tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. Remember what He said to Eve in Genesis? "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Gen. 3:1) See how the devil tries to create doubt?

Eve caves into doubt in three key areas: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Genesis 3:6 says, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, (the lust of the flesh) that it was pleasant to the eyes, (the lust of the eyes) and a tree to make one wise, (the pride of life) she took of its fruit and ate."



She totally disregarded God, choosing to disobey His Word about eating that fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. God said in Genesis 2:16, 17 "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die."

And humankind is still experiencing the effects of sin and death, both physically and spiritually. But Jesus made a way out!

Jesus came to save us from our sin. He passed all the tests—perfectly. That's why only Jesus could be the sacrifice for our sin that separates us from a Holy God. When we ask Jesus to forgive our sin and come into our heart and life, we are forgiven. He gives us life both spiritually and physically.

When the winds of doubt blow through the corners of my mind, I can learn to humbly submit myself to God and the truth of His Word. James 4:7,8 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Don't let Satan tempt you into wondering "IF". It's easy to begin to doubt when life doesn’t work out as we had hoped—when sickness comes our way, or financial stress, or loneliness. Jesus is God. He is always right. There is no "ifs". You and I can rely on Him and the promises of His Word to see us through!

From a practical and personal perspective, I went shopping yesterday for an outfit for my niece's wedding. I found a nice skirt and jacket combo, but after that I came home with one too many "deals". Looking at it from God's perspective, I gave in to the lust of the eyes for sure. We don't have the money for extra purchases right now. So, I'm packing up my bag with my extra clothes, even though they looked so nice, (I'm keeping the pretty combo for the wedding) and I will be returning what I really don't need to the store today.



I'm glad for the convicting and practical power of God's Word. How about you?

Live the adventure,
Susan

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." I John 2:15-17

Going Somewhere?

Did you ever get the feeling that you're going nowhere - fast? (smile) I have to chuckle at this picture of my son (closest to the water) and his friend he met on vacation last year. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather and the fun family times ahead as the Lord allows.

Today I was looking over some places I've read in my Bible this year. Here are a few of my underlines in Isaiah. The Bible says in Isaiah 63:16, "...You, O LORD, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name." And then in chapter 64 verse 4. "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him."

I am thankful God is a loving Father who watches out for His children. He wants what is best for us and sometimes that means waiting until "God puts the boat into the water." His timing and way is not always ours, but it is always best!

In what ways do you find it difficult to wait on the LORD? How has waiting or not waiting on God impacted your life for good or bad? I look forward to hearing from you.

Live the adventure,
Susan

A Fact is a Fact

Did you ever just feeling like shouting, "God is real!"

Many in this world question that very fact. And it is a fact. Just look at what God has to say in the first few words of the Bible.

"In the beginning God." Think about it. God didn't start by explaining himself. He always was, He always is, and He always will be.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

What did God do? Well, for starters God created the heavens and the earth.

People will debate this fact. But still it remains a fact. How do I know? God said so.

One of my favorite speakers on Creation vs. Evolution is Ken Ham with Answers in Genesis Ministries. I had the privilege many years ago of hearing Ken speak at a local seminar. Just click here for a link to some solid information on this hot topic. Ken is not only knowledgeable on the subject, but he has a great sense of humor too!

God's real and Jesus is God. Jesus created the world and everything in it.

"In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not comprehend it." John 1:1-5

And that my friends is a fact!

Live the adventure,
Susan

Trying to Escape?

Escape...

That’s what I would have done, or at least that’s what I thought I would have done, until I understood there was more going on than some power hungry king taking people captive.

Daniel, a young man from the land of Judah didn’t try to escape the clutches of a foreign king. Why?

He was content to serve God exactly where God had placed him. In fact, Daniel was obeying God’s order to stay in the land of Babylon. God’s people as a nation had been walking on thin ice for quite a few years. The prophet Jeremiah warned the nation of Israel that judgment was coming for their sin. They were specifically warned not to run away when it happened.

So what did Daniel do? He obeyed.

Years passed and kings came and went and Daniel remained faithful in that foreign land. He served God and gave God all the praise and glory. Through the years, there were numerous death threats on Daniel’s life and the life of his friends, whether from an irate king or jealous men.

But in the midst of all the craziness, Daniel remained steadfast, content with where God had placed him. Did that mean Daniel sat back and had a fatalist attitude when threatened with death? No. I don’t believe that’s what it means to be content. Daniel prayed. He grabbed his three buddies and they held a prayer meeting on more than one occasion.

The Bible says, “Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Bablyon.” (Daniel 2:16,17)

It’s interesting to note that by the time Daniel faces a den of hungry lions, Daniel is no longer a young man, in fact he’s quite old.

The Bible says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” (Daniel 6:10)

“As was his custom.” I’d say Daniel had developed some good habits. He prayed, even when Daniel knew a decree had been signed that said he would be put to death. He obeyed God and he was content.

Let’s face it, not many of us are faced with death on a daily basis. But who knows, with the way America is going, one day we or our children might be. No matter what happens, we can learn to be content in the Lord. We can learn what it means to pray.

Nothing is out of God’s control. Daniel believed God. What about you? What about me? Will we like Daniel pray and thank God for His goodness? Will we come to the Lord and humbly admit our willful, sinful ways and ask for forgiveness? Will we like Daniel plead God’s mercy?

“For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies.” (Daniel 9:18)

Oh Lord, help us like Daniel to understand Your truth. Help us to read Your Holy Word and cry out to you. May we like Your beloved Daniel learn what it means to serve You and be content, knowing you hold all things in Your Almighty hand. May we like Daniel plead Your everlasting mercies. You are good oh Lord. You are righteous. In Christ’s righteousness we stand secure. In Jesus’ holy name I pray it, Amen.

As He Said

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

Matthew 28:1-7 NKJV

Aren't you glad God ALWAYS keeps His promises?

Have a blessed Easter my friends. I will be back next week Lord willing to post on the book of Daniel and the topic of contentment.

Live the adventure,

Susan

Picture Credit: Thegardentomb.com

Power Source

What does it mean to have “God’s power?”

I’ve been racking my brain this past week trying to figure it out while learning Isaiah 40:29 for Memory Verse Monday. Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV) says, “He [God] gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might, He increases strength.”

It’s always a good idea to see the Biblical context of a verse, so I checked out the preceding verses in Isaiah chapter 40 that talk about God’s creative and sustaining power. God is the Creator of this world and outerspace. He spoke everything into existence and He keeps everything by His mighty hand. And He doesn’t get the least bit tired. That’s good news to me because the older I get, the more tired I am! And to think I was one of those awful children who never took naps… my poor Mom!

So, the next question I asked myself was, “How does God’s Almighty power affect my daily life? What does that creative and sustaining power look like?”

When I became a young widow raising my infant son at the age of twenty-five, I knew what it meant to be weak – physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I didn’t know how I was going to make it, I only knew that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ would make a way, and He did.

Fast forward seventeen years. It’s easy for me to forget about God’s sustaining power and begin to fret about the future. Often, I’m running ahead of the Lord and shifting into high gear, planning, scheduling, rescheduling wondering all the time, “How is God going to work all this out?”

But that’s just it. God doesn’t want us to figure it all out. Right before the Bible tells us that God gives power to the weak, the Bible says that God’s understanding is unsearchable! When my focus is on the problem and not the God over the problem, I am living in my own strength and not God’s strength. You see, God doesn’t promise power to the strong, He promises power to the weak. God doesn’t say He will increase strength to the mighty, He promises strength to those who have no might.

So I humbly admit once again, “Lord, I don’t know what to do or how to do it, so please show me the way. You know the needs of our family and the deepest needs of my heart. You are the One, the only one with all the power and might. There is none like You! Help me to wait on You and then as You reveal Your will, take the next step.”

What about you? What has God shown you about His power and strength? I’d love to hear from you on this subject.

Live the adventure,
Susan

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

Picture Credit: Wikipedia; Wind Turbine

Beyond Our Galaxy

"To whom then will you liken Me,

Or to whom shall I be equal?"

says the Holy One.

Lift up your eyes on high,

And see who has created these things,

Who brings out their host by number;

He calls them by name,

By the greatness of His power;

Not one is missing.

Why do you say, O Jacob,

And speak, O Israel:

"My way is hidden from the LORD,

And my just claim is passed over by my God?"

Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the LORD,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

Isaiah 40:25-28

Check out some awesome pictures of what God has done. Thanks Sharon, for connecting us to a glimpse of our galaxy and beyond...

Picture Credit: HubbleSite Images